My Dometic refrigerator model # Rm2652 does not cool anymore. The element heats up on both gas and electricity. I noticed an amonia smell and there is yellow matter at the bottom of the stack where the element is. Would like to know if possible or economical to repair it

what is the yellow residue around heating element? my fridge just isnt working right and sometimes stops all together, the freezer worked until lastnight but fridge hasnt cooled right for a week or so.

First thing I would do is check this dometic site for recall information. Have model and serial number ready.

http://67.238.126.140/recall.php

I am guessing you have a process type refrigerator. If there is a small flame under the cabinet when in the gas mode, it is. If you listen real close at the back, bottom of the unit when turning on the electric cycle, there should be a faint "click" of the relay to energize the heating element. Hearing the click doesn't always mean the relay is OK. They arch from the high current of the heating element and may be burned or the element could be shot. Each component needs to be checked from the thermostat to the element, in the order they are activated.

You need to have 12 volt supplied at all times to make it work
Check to be sure you have a good 12 + and a good ground.
Lots of times the coolant leaks without you smelling anything Slowly over time

Brandi4723,

Unfortunately, you have a bad cooling unit in your refrigerator. Then ammonia smell means that you have a leak in the unit. TURN THE FRIDGE OFF!!! Do not use the fridge on AC or Gas until you have the cooling unit replaced or buy a new fridge. Depending on the model number and serial number of the fridge, it may be under recall by dometic and you might be able to have it repaired for free. If you will provide me with the model number, serial number and the serial number of the cooling unit (found on the outside of the unit in the fridge compartment, lower tank of cooling unit), I can then tell you the pricing of the repairs or whether it is under recall.

Again, TURN THE FRIDGE OFF and do not use it...RISK OF FIRE!!!!

Hope this helps,

Jeff

Check the coils to the left of the burn chamber they should be hot not as hot as the burn chamber but hot to the touch. If not you could have blockage in the coils not allowing the fluids to flow. Also check that the flu area is clear no nest of any sort wasp or birds.

ammonia smell means the cooling unit is bad and must be replaced.....check out rvmobile.com

Disconnect the electric heating element from the board on the back. Replace fuses see if it will run on gas now. If it will your heating element needs to be replaced.

my RM2652 refrigerator will not get cold on gas or elec. freezer cold (not much) but main box nothing. also fairly warm/hot to the touch around the edge of the unit. Any ideas??

Thank you

Robert